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John flies on a private jet and gets ignored by young people. Meanwhile, Jonnie uses two high schoolers as his opening act and invents a historical new drink.

Plus, a conversation about Rage Bait and why politics can never bring us true freedom.

Today's episode is NOT sponsored by Sally's Seashell Shop: "We're right down by the seashore, which in retrospect was a poor choice of location."

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This episode is part 44 in a study of the gospel of Luke. Jesus enters Jerusalem as king on what we call Palm Sunday. But his idea of what a king would do may be at odds with what the people expect.

https://thebiblestudypodcast.com/luke-19-palm-sunday/

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Episode Summary:

Today we’re tackling a topic that hits many people hard each January: “Blue Monday.” You may have heard it called “the most depressing day of the year”: a day when motivation runs low, bills come due, and the sparkle of the holidays fades into the grayness of winter. But is “Blue Monday” real? Why do so many people feel down this time of year? And what can you do, spiritually, emotionally, and physically, to climb out of the slump and find renewed hope?

If you’ve ever felt like the light of Christmas faded too fast or that you’re struggling to find joy in January, this episode is for you. In this episode, my co-host, Rev. Jessica Van Roekel, and I talk about How to Beat the Blues: Finding Hope When “Blue Monday” Hits. We unpack where the idea of “Blue Monday” came from, what really contributes to winter sadness, how to recognize when it’s more than just a passing mood, and how God invites us to nurture our mind and soul even in the darkest season.

Quotables from the episode:

Every January, the search engines light up with people looking for answers about “Blue Monday.” Some call it the most depressing day of the year. But here’s the truth: God doesn’t mark any day on His calendar as hopeless. Even when science can explain some of the factors that make us feel low, Scripture reminds us in John 1:5 that “the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

So today, let’s uncover both the science and the Savior’s invitation to find peace, joy, and renewed perspective, no matter what your calendar says.

Part 1: Where “Blue Monday” Came From

The term “Blue Monday” actually originated not from a psychologist or neuroscientist, but from a marketing campaign in the early 2000s. A British travel company wanted to boost winter vacation sales and partnered with a psychologist to create a formula that supposedly calculated the “most depressing day of the year.”

They based it on factors like weather, debt level, time since Christmas, failed New Year’s resolutions, and low motivation. The date usually lands on the third Monday in January.

But here’s what’s interesting: the science behind it was never validated. It was largely pseudoscience; a catchy idea meant to sell trips to sunny places!

Yet it resonated with people because, truthfully, many do feel a dip in mood this time of year. Why? There’s a real physiological and psychological basis for that.

• Shorter daylight hours disrupt our circadian rhythm and lower serotonin levels—our brain’s natural mood stabilizer.
• Colder temperatures mean less outdoor activity and fewer endorphins.
• Holiday aftermath leaves us financially stretched and emotionally fatigued.
• Unmet resolutions of ourselves or others stir up shame or disappointment.

So while “Blue Monday” may not be an official scientific day, it does point to something many experience: what we might call the post-holiday blues or seasonal affective slump.

Part 2: How to Identify It

Let’s talk about how you can tell if what you’re feeling is just a short-term dip or something more concerning.

Here are some common symptoms of the “Blue Monday” slump:

• Low motivation or energy
• Irritability or tearfulness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Feeling disconnected or unproductive
• Hopeless thoughts like “What’s the point?”

If you’ve noticed these for a few days after the holidays, you’re not alone. Our brains and bodies crave rhythm and light—and winter often disrupts both.

But sometimes, what starts as a temporary funk can evolve into something more serious like Seasonal Affecti

Joel Courtney and Masey McLain discuss why they were drawn to Soul on Fire, a true story they say is saturated with hope, resilience, and the power of personal choice. The film follows John O’Leary, who survives a devastating burn accident as a child in 1987 and later grows into a man whose life points others toward what it means to truly live, a journey the actors say reflects the heart of the gospel.

As believers themselves, Joel and Macy reflect on how this story reshaped their understanding of resilience, vulnerability, and the gospel—revealing a hope that isn’t naïve, but hard-won and deeply rooted in faith.

Highlights

• Why telling true stories of hope and overcoming matters now more than ever

• The idea of agency: choosing life, joy, and freedom one decision at a time

• How John’s journey mirrors biblical resilience, including parallels to Job

• A powerful picture of the gospel: being fully known and fully loved

• What it was like meeting the real-life John and Beth and how it shaped the performances

• The promise of restoration—what’s been stolen can be replenished, resurrected, and rebuilt

• Why hope isn’t automatic… but it is always available

Join the Conversation

What part of this story resonated with you most—choosing hope, embracing vulnerability, or seeing restoration firsthand? How has faith helped shape your own resilience through hard seasons?

Share your thoughts with a review!

And if today’s episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and explore more faith-filled conversations across the LifeAudio network.

Resources Mentioned

• Joel Courtney – Actor known for Soul on Fire and Super 8

  • IMDb

  • Official Instagram

Today’s Bible Verse: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” — Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith not as wishful thinking, but as confident trust in God’s promises—even when the outcome remains unseen. This verse invites believers to anchor their hope in who God is, not in what circumstances appear to be.

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Meet Today’s Host: Reverend Jessica Van Roekel

️ Listen to more daily devotionals with Jessica at Your Daily Bible Verse on LifeAudio

Rev. Jessica Van Roekel is a passionate Christian speaker, author, and worship pastor who shares how God brings beauty from brokenness. Her message centers on God’s power to rescue, restore, and renew, even after seasons of rejection or loss.

She is the author of Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything, a guide to seeing God’s purpose in life’s disappointments.

Jessica and her husband are raising a vibrant family, with two adult daughters, a college-aged son, and a high school daughter. You can explore her teachings, devotionals, and resources at WelcomeGrace.com.

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I’m pretty sure I made a few reasonable New Year’s resolutions last January. I’m quite certain I’ve forgotten what they are. Humans are great at brainstorming ideas and launching projects, but humans aren’t as great at perseverance, especially when exhaustion, boredom, or both get in the way. 

This New Year’s, whether you make resolutions or simply have big goals and dreams, I pray you find comfort in accepting that there is no pressure to start or end your year flawlessly. I pray you discover through trial and (plenty of) error that you will like yourself and God so much more when you accept your limitations. You will know the beauty of Perfection only when you recognize that those failings are the key to Christ’s power unlocking the fulfillment that no list or personal achievement ever could.

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

“My power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Father,
Thank you for choosing to be an intimate Savior, forever willing and thrilled to be our Perfection and sustain us despite our weaknesses. This New Year, may we seek your wisdom as we make our resolutions or begin new projects. May spiritual growth, not perfection, be our heart’s true desire.
In your holy name, King Jesus,
Amen. 

 THREE THINGS TO PONDER UPON

1. What’s really driving your resolutions—grace or perfection?
 Examine whether your goals this year are rooted in spiritual growth or worldly approval. One path frees; the other enslaves.

2. Do you give yourself the grace God already has?
 God knows your weaknesses and never asked for perfection—only trust. What would change if you truly believed that?

3. Are you chasing Jesus or chasing performance?
Jesus doesn’t demand flawless effort. He invites you to find strength by depending fully on Him.

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Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Tyler Boss, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. Should you worship God with your heart or your mind? Meditate on John 4:23-24. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. 

For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace

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A Prayer for When Things Feel Hard by Shalene Roberts

Motherhood is a beautiful calling—but it is also deeply challenging. In this episode we step into an honest moment from the trenches of parenting littles: the exhaustion, the guilt after a hard night, and the weight of feeling like we’ve fallen short. Through Jesus’ words in John 16:33, we are reminded that hardship is not a sign of failure—it’s part of living in a broken world.We cannot love, lead, forgive, or extend grace to our children through sheer willpower. Instead, we are invited to trust the One who has already overcome the world.

Reference: John 16:33

Prayer: Dear God, some days can feel overwhelmingly difficult. Whether it’s relationship conflict, financial stress, health concerns, or a plethora of other worries that can consume us, this life can feel really heavy at times. When we’re in the midst of a hardship, help us to remember to take heart because you have overcome the world. 

LINKS:

5 Habits of a Praying Mom 

Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms

Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! 

Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon.

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Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

En nuestra vida: Dios toma lo que parece común y, con Su gracia, lo transforma en algo extraordinario. No subestimes lo que Dios puede hacer contigo. Porque donde el mundo ve a un simple obrero… Dios ya ve a un rey, a una reina.

Escrito por Mercy Cosme

Telegram: https://t.me/TheSalvationArmySoundcast

WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/B8WQJMa1QU9AFAMdmUkwcC

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This week, we hear from retired Washington D.C. police sergeant and pastor Dale Sutherland, who shares how his faith carried him through dangerous undercover work, false accusations, and ultimately inspired him to launch a ministry that brings hope to families in crisis.

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Haley Scully, who has spent nearly fifteen years with Hope for the Heart, equipping people to offer compassionate care within their communities. Through her own journey of navigating disappointment and renewal, she’s gained a deep understanding of the struggles others face—and a passion to restore their confidence and hope.

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Clarissa and Fiona Moll

Upcoming interview: Chris Blair

Dale Sutherland

Ephesians 2:10

2 Corinthians 1:9

Boost Others

www.boostothers.org 

www.theundercoverpastor.com

Haley Scully

Hope for the Heart

www.hopefortheheart.org

The Care and Counsel Handbook

Interview Quotes:

“I’ve been shot at, robbed, and threatened a lot of times. But by God’s grace, I’m here.” - Dale Sutherland

“[Being a police officer] was intense, yes, but the great thing is knowing Jesus the Lord went with me on all those calls. When I got ready to do an undercover, I prayed and asked the Lord for help. I really think any success I’ve received or been blessed with has truly been a result of the Lord’s work and answering all those prayers.” - Dale Sutherland

“The Lord helped me a tremendous amount so that I could do my job but not let my own worries or feelings about what might happen or what has happened—almost like an on and off switch.” - Dale Sutherland 

“That time of trying to understand the goodness of God and His calling, in spite of some of the biggest disappointment and hurt in my life, that was certainly